Table 6-4. Potential amphibian fauna within the proposed ... Wind Energy... · species was Grey-winged Francolin, followed by Verreaux’s Eagle, Northern Black Korhaan, Jackal Buzzard,

Draft Scoping Report – February 2015

EOH Coastal & Environmental Services 50 Umsobomvu Wind Energy Facility

Greater Padloper Homopus femoralis

Leopard Tortoise Geochelone pardalis

Tent Tortoise Psammobates tentorius

The main impact of the proposed Umsobomvu WEF on reptile fauna within the project area is through habitat loss, especially in rocky outcrop areas. Amphibians Amphibians are important in wetland systems, particularly where fish are excluded or of minor importance. In these habitats, frogs are dominant predators of invertebrates. Reports of declining amphibian populations continue to increase globally, even in pristine protected areas (Phillips 1994). These declines are not simple cyclic events; for example, frogs have been identified as bio-indicator species that reflect the wellbeing of aquatic ecosystems (Poynton and Broadley 1991). Frog abundance and diversity is a poignant reflection of the general health and well-being of aquatic ecosystems. According to historical records, eight species of frog have been documented in the Quarter Degree Squares that the project area falls within. Only one of these species is listed as Near Threatened (Pyxicephalus adspersus/African Bullfrog), all the others are listed as Least Concern (Appendix A). Table 6-4. Potential amphibian fauna within the proposed Umsobomvu WEF project area Common name Scientific name IUCN Conservation Status

Common Platanna Xenopus laevis Least concern

Giant Bullfrog Pyxicephalus adspersus Least concern

Tandy’s Sand Frog Tomopterna tandyi Least concern

Karoo Toad Vandijkophrynus gariepensis Least concern

Southern Pygmy Toad Poyntonophrynus vertebralis Least concern

Common River Frog Amietia angolensis Least concern

Cape River Frog Amietia fuscigula Least concern

Boettger’s Caco Cacosternum boettgeri Least concern

African Bullfrog Pyxicephalus adspersus Near threatened

Potential impacts of the proposed Umsobomvu WEF on the amphibian population may include habitat disturbance. Also, turbine noise may dull calls and interrupt breeding behaviour. Invertebrates Generally invertebrates are a group of faunal assemblages with no vertebral column. This includes the large range of fauna including, but not limited to: Arthropoda (insects, spiders and crabs), Nematoda and Annelida (worms) and Mollusca (snails, clams and squids). Representative species from all these phyla will be present within the project area. No detailed assessment of invertebrates has been included in this study. The impacts on invertebrate communities may be associated with direct loss of habitat.



7.1.8 Avifauna Important Bird Areas (IBA’s) – Birdlife International The selection of Important Bird Areas (IBAs) is achieved through the application of quantitative ornithological criteria, grounded in up-to-date knowledge of the sizes and trends of bird populations. The criteria ensure that the sites selected as IBAs have true significance for the international conservation of bird populations, and provide a common currency that all IBAs adhere to, thus creating consistency among, and enabling comparability between, sites at national, continental and global levels. It is crucial to understand why a site is important, and to do this it is necessary to examine its international significance in terms of the presence and abundance of species that occur there, year round or seasonally. At the global level, a set of four categories and criteria are used to assess the significance of the site. The global IBA criteria are as follows: A1. Globally threatened species • Criterion: The site is known or thought to hold significant numbers of a globally threatened

species, or other species of global conservation concern. • The site qualifies if it is known, estimated or thought to hold a population of a species

categorized by the IUCN Red List as Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable. In general, the regular presence of a Critical or Endangered species, irrespective of population size, at a site may be sufficient for a site to qualify as an IBA. For Vulnerable species, the presence of more than threshold numbers at a site is necessary to trigger selection.

A2. Restricted-range species • Criterion: The site is known or thought to hold a significant component of a group of species

whose breeding distributions define an Endemic Bird Area (EBA) or Secondary Area (SA). • This category is for species of Endemic Bird Areas (EBAs). EBAs are defined as places where

two or more species of restricted range, i.e. with world distributions of less than 50 000 km2, occur together. More than 70% of such species are also globally threatened. Also included here are species of Secondary Areas.

A3. Biome-restricted species • Criterion: The site is known or thought to hold a significant component of the group of species

whose distributions are largely or wholly confined to one biome. • This category applies to groups of species with largely shared distributions of greater than

50 000km2, which occur mostly or wholly within all or part of a particular biome and are, therefore, of global importance.

A4. Congregations • Criteria: A site may qualify on any one or more of the four criteria listed below:

i. The site is known or thought to hold, on a regular basis, ≥ 1% of a biogeographic population of a congregatory waterbird species.

ii. The site is known or thought to hold, on a regular basis, ≥ 1% of the global population of a congregatory seabird or terrestrial species.

iii. The site is known or thought to hold, on a regular basis, ≥ 20 000 waterbirds or ≥ 10 000 pairs of seabirds of one or more species.

iv. The site is known or thought to exceed thresholds set for migratory species at bottleneck sites.



IBA’s in relation to the proposed Umsobomvu WEF (within 50km) 1. Platberg-Karoo Conservancy (SA037)

Location Northern Cape Province, South Africa

Central coordinates 24o 10.00' East 30

o 37.00' South

Protection Status Unprotected

IBA criteria A1, A3, A4i, A4ii

Area 1,200,000 ha

Altitude 1,100 - 1,691m

Year of IBA assessment 2001

The IBA trigger species include: Species IBA criteria IUCN category

Black Stork (Ciconia nigra) A4i Least Concern

Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) A1, A4ii Least Concern

Ludwig's Bustard (Neotis ludwigii) A3 Endangered

Karoo Bustard (Heterotetrax vigorsii) A3 Least Concern

Blue Bustard (Eupodotis caerulescens) A1 Near Threatened

Blue Crane (Anthropoides paradiseus) A1, A4i Vulnerable

Karoo Long-billed Lark (Certhilauda subcoronata) A3 Least Concern

Karoo Lark (Certhilauda albescens) A3 Least Concern

Namaqua Warbler (Phragmacia substriata) A3 Least Concern

Layard's Warbler (Sylvia layardi) A3 Least Concern

Pale-winged Starling (Onychognathus nabouroup) A3 Least Concern

Sicklewing Chat (Cercomela sinuate) A3 Least Concern

Karoo Chat (Cercomela schlegelii) A3 Least Concern

Tractrac Chat (Cercomela tractrac) A3 Least Concern

Black-headed Canary (Serinus alario) A3 Least Concern



Figure 6-8. Important Bird Areas (IBA’s) surrounding the Umsobomvu WEF



Umsobomvu WEF Bird Monitoring Preliminary Report Summary The 12 month pre-construction Bird Monitoring Programme is being undertaken by Mr Jon Smallie of Wildskies Ecological Services. The programme was initiated in July 2014 (winter survey), and is proposed to run until the winter of 2015. Four site visits will be made during the programme, in order to adequately collect season data. While on site, a number of data collection methods will be used in order to maximise the quantity and improve the quality of the data collection. The methods proposed include:

Sample counts of small terrestrial species

Counts of large terrestrial species and raptors

Focal site surveys

Incidental observations

Direct observation of bird movements The information provided below summarises the key points from Mr Jon Smallie’s first preconstruction monitoring undertaken in July 2014. SITE SUMMARY The 37 bird species in Table 6-5 have so far been identified as preliminary target species for this site. In each case the species’ regional (Taylor 2014) and global (IUCN 2012) conservation status is presented, as well as whether it has been recorded on site yet. These are the species which could occur on the site (based on the two bird atlas projects) and be particularly susceptible to impacts associated with the proposed facility. This programme will investigate the importance of the site for these species and any others identified as important during the course of the programme. To date, the most important of these appears to be the Verreaux’s Eagle (Aquila verreauxii), which breeds in the area. These species will be discussed in more detail as this programme collects more data and the target species list will be refined and amended as necessary. Sample counts of small terrestrial species During the first site visit a total of 30 bird species were recorded on walked transects. The most frequently recorded was Pied Starling, followed by Grey-backed Cisticola and Cape Bunting. None of the species recorded by this method were target species or threatened species. The results are summarised in Table 6-5. Counts of large terrestrial species and raptors A total of five target bird species were recorded using this method. The most frequently recorded species was Grey-winged Francolin, followed by Verreaux’s Eagle, Northern Black Korhaan, Jackal Buzzard, and Rock Kestrel. This data is summarised in Figure 6-10. Incidental observations Nine target bird species were recorded as incidentals during the course of the autumn site visit. The most frequently recorded species was the Verreaux’s Eagle, followed by Grey-winged Francolin and Jackal Buzzard.



Table 6-5: Preliminary bird list from first avifaunal monitoring

Common name Taxonomic name SABAP1 SABAP2 IUCN 2013

TOPS list Taylor 2014

Recorded Autumn

Cormorant, Reed Phalacrocorax africanus

Hamerkop Scopus umbretta

Stork, Black Ciconia nigra LC VU VU

Stork, White Ciconia ciconia

Flamingo, Greater Phoenicopterus ruber LC NT

Flamingo, Lesser Phoenicopterus minor NT NT

Goose, Egyptian Alopochen aegyptiacus

Shelduck, South African Tadorna cana

Secretarybird Sagittarius serpentarius VU VU

Falcon, Lanner Falco biarmicus LC VU

Falcon, Amur Falco amurensis

Kestrel, Greater Falco rupicoloides

Kestrel, Rock Falco rupicolus

Kestrel, Lesser Falco naumanni LC VU

Kite, Yellow-billed Milvus aegyptius

Kite, Black-shouldered Elanus caeruleus

Eagle, Verreaux's Aquila verreauxii LC VU

Eagle, Tawny Aquila rapax LC VU EN

Eagle, Booted Aquila pennatus

Eagle, Martial Polemaetus bellicosus NT VU EN

Snake-Eagle, Black-chested Circaetus pectoralis

Fish-Eagle, African Haliaeetus vocifer

Buzzard, Jackal Buteo rufofuscus

Buzzard, Steppe Buteo vulpinus

Goshawk, Southern Pale Chanting Melierax canorus



Marsh-Harrier, African Circus ranivorus LC Protected EN

Harrier, Black Circus maurus VU EN

Harrier-Hawk, African Polyboroides typus

Francolin, Grey-winged Scleroptila africanus

Crane, Blue Anthropoides paradiseus VU EN NT

Bustard, Kori Ardeotis kori LC VU NT

Bustard, Ludwig's Neotis ludwigii EN VU EN

Korhaan, Karoo Eupodotis vigorsii LC NT

Korhaan, Blue Eupodotis caerulescens NT VU NT

Korhaan, Northern Black Eupodotis afra

Lark, Melodious Mirafra cheniana LC

Lark, Barlow's Calendulauda barlowi LC NT

EN = Endangered; VU = Vulnerable; NT = Near-threatened; LC = Least concern; Bonn = Protected internationally under the Bonn Convention on Migratory Species.



JULY RESULTS Focal sites Three of the 8 focal sites showed signs of Verreaux’s Eagle preparing to breed on site. These were focal sites 1, 2 and 6. Four of the remaining focal sites had no eagles present and the fifth had adult Verreaux’s Eagles but no signs of breeding (Table 6-6; Figure 6-9). Table 6-6: Summary of findings at the 8 focal sites during autumn

Focal site Type Findings

FS1 Potential Verreaux's Eagle breeding site

4 visits, Verreaux's Eagle adults seen 3 times, signs of likely breeding

FS2 Potential Verreaux's Eagle breeding site

2 visits, Verreaux's Eagles seen twice, signs of likely breeding

FS3 Eagle nest on power line 2 visits, nothing seen

FS4 Possible cliff habitat 1 visit, nothing seen

FS5 Possible cliff habitat 2 visits, only Hamerkop nest seen

FS6 Verreaux's Eagle breeding site 2 visits, Verreaux's eagles seen, signs of likely breeding

FS7 Possible cliff habitat 1 visit, nothing seen

FS8 Verreaux's Eagle breeding site 1 visit, Verreaux's Eagles seen but no sign of breeding



Figure 6-9: Focal sites used during the Umsobomvu avifaunal monitoring. Direct observation of bird movements Only three target species were recorded flying on site during vantage point counts. These were the Jackal Buzzard, Rock Kestrel and Verreaux’s Eagle. By far the most frequent flier recorded was the Verreaux’s Eagle, although the majority of these sightings were at VP1 which was placed deliberately overlooking a breeding site so was expected to record high activity. For the Jackal Buzzard and Rock Kestrel the flights within approximate rotor zone were in the minority, whereas for the Verreaux’s Eagle most flights were within rotor zone (see Figure 6-10).



Figure 6-10: Height level at which three key species were observed. Site sensitivity and project constraints The most important potential risk for avifauna at this site is related to breeding Verreaux’s Eagles in the area. Eagles in general are one of the groups of birds most affected by wind energy facilities worldwide, with Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos; White-tailed Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla); Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus); Wedge-tailed Eagle (Aquila audax); and White-bellied Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster) all having been documented as colliding with turbines around the world (various authors). It certainly appears then that large eagles may be susceptible to collision with wind turbines on the proposed site, if they are present on the site. The reader may question why eagles would collide with turbine blades when their eyesight is apparently so good, the subject of folklore. The reason probably lies more in behavioural aspects, whereby birds such as this may approach turbines too closely even once they have seen them. Birds soaring typically hold their heads in a position looking downwards, and would be effectively blind above them - the direction from which a second or third blade may approach after the first blade has been successfully avoided. Verreaux’s Eagle is a cliff nesting species classified as Vulnerable by Taylor (2014). These eagles can exist at quite high density compared to other eagle species, with some territories as small as 10km² (Davies, 2010). They also tend to occupy remote mountainous areas largely unaffected by development (until the advent of wind energy in SA that is). Retief et al. (2011) classified this species as the 22nd most at risk of impact by wind farms. Davies recognizes wind farms as a ‘new and worrying’ threat, although the main threat to the species to date is considered to be the loss of prey populations (Rock Hyrax). Davies recorded home ranges of 10 to 50km², with an average of 24km². The furthest recorded flight from the nest for food was 7 kilometres, although it is almost certain that they will fly further when required (Davies, 2010). Juveniles disperse from their home ranges 4 months after fledging and are not allowed to return to these territories by the adults. There is a suspected high mortality rate amongst juveniles due to the difficult in finding suitable territories. These eagles have learnt to nest on Eskom Transmission towers (van Rooyen & Ledger 1999; de Goede & Jenkins 2001; de Goede 2011). The availability of cliff and power line breeding substrate in the project area makes this species the most likely to breed of the three large eagle species. The relatively small range and high territoriality also makes this species more likely to

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spend more time on site if it breeds there. The first monitoring site visit has identified a number of potential breeding habitat areas for this species. Three of these sites held adult eagles showing signs of preparing to breed this winter. The next site visit will confirm whether breeding is in fact underway at these sites. This species is known to alternate its nest sites between a number of nests in its territory. For the purpose then of assessing the impacts of a wind farm with a 20-25 year lifespan, all potential breeding sites should be considered as important as they could be occupied in any given breeding season. Two of the below sites are very close together (approximately 1km apart) and so could be alternate sites for the same pair. This situation will be monitored closely in the coming months. The likely implications for the turbine layout are that suitable buffer areas around these sites will need to be identified and the layout adapted to ensure that no new infrastructure is built in these areas. Hopefully this will allow the wind farm and eagles to co-exist. These buffer areas will be identified based on more experience on site, but are likely to be approximately 1-2km radii around the breeding sites. Conclusion The area under consideration is quite large, and reasonably diverse in terms of the habitats it offers birds, containing both thornveld and grassland. This results in a relatively high diversity of bird species on the site, and a consequent high number of Red Listed bird species which could use the site. Monitoring has so far recorded a fair number of these species on site. Certainly the species of most interest at this early stage is the Verreaux’s Eagle, which has been recorded by almost all of the different data collection methods on site and appears to breed on site. Other target species using the site frequently include non-Red Listed raptors such as Jackal Buzzard, Common Buzzard, Rock Kestrel and Southern Pale Chanting Goshawk. These should be considered preliminary findings and will be refined, added to or overruled based on additional data still to be collected on site. The next site visit will be in winter 2014. 7.1.9 Chiroptera (Bats) The 12 month pre-construction Bat Monitoring Programme is being undertaken by Mr Werner Marais of Animalia Zoological and Ecological Consultation. The programme was initiated in August 2014 (winter survey), and is proposed to run until the winter of 2014. Bats form part of the Order Chiroptera and are the second largest group of mammals after rodents. Most South African bats are insectivorous and are capable of consuming vast quantities of insects on a nightly basis (Taylor 2000, Tuttle and Hensley 2001) however, they have also been found to feed on amphibians, fruit, nectar and other invertebrates. As a result, insectivorous bats are the predominant predators of nocturnal flying insects in South Africa and contribute greatly to the suppression of these numbers. Their prey also includes agricultural pests such as moths and vectors for diseases such as mosquitoes (Rautenbach 1982, Taylor 2000). Urban development and agricultural practices have contributed to the deterioration of bat populations on a global scale. A mostly negative public perception of bats has detracted from the acknowledgement of their importance as an essential component of ecological systems and their value as natural pest control agents, which actually serves as an advantage to humans. Many bat species roost in large communities and congregate in small areas. Therefore, any major disturbances within and around the roosting areas may adversely impact individuals of different communities, within the same population, concurrently (Hester and Grenier 2005). In addition, nativity rates of bats are much lower than those of most other small mammals. Therefore, bat populations are not able to recover rapidly after mass mortalities and major roost disturbances. Table 6-7. Table of species that may be roosting or foraging on the study area.

Common Name Scientific Name South African Red Data Book

Status

IUCN Conservation

Status

Egyptian Slit-faced Bat Nycteris thebaica Least concern Least concern



Geoffroy’s Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus clivosus Near threatened Least concern

Darling’s Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus darlingi Near threatened Least concern

Schreiber’s Long-fingered Bat Miniopterus schreibersii Near threatened Near threatened

Cape Serotine Bat Neoromicia capensis Least concern Least concern

Egyptian Free-tailed Bat Tadarida aegyptiaca Least concern Least concern

Although most bats are highly capable of advanced navigation through the use of echolocation and excellent sight, they are still at risk of physical impact with the blades of wind turbines. Despite the high incidence of deaths caused by direct impact with the blades, most bat mortalities have been found to be caused by barotrauma (Baerwald et al. 2008). This is a condition where low air pressure found around the moving blades of wind turbines, causes the lungs of a bat to collapse, resulting in fatal internal haemorrhaging (Kunz et al. 2007). Baerwald et al. (2008) found that 90% of bat fatalities around wind turbines involved internal haemorrhaging consistent with barotrauma.

7.2 Socio-economic profile The socio-economic impact assessment is being is being undertaken by Ms Marchelle Terblanche of INDEX Consulting Services. The study was initiated in June 2014 and the information in this section has been provided by Ms Terblanche who is actively involved in the public participation process (PPP). Ms Terblanche has undertaken both desktop and on site assessments of the Umsobomvu WEF area. The project site is situated on fifteen farm portions and is located in two Local and two District Municipalities across two Provinces, as illustrated below:

The landscape of the site is typical Karoo with a low average annual rainfall and high annual evaporation. Most of the settlements and towns in the study area are dependent on ground water as their primary water source. (Umsobomvu LM IDP). The settlements in and around the study area are small and far apart, which makes it difficult for regional service schemes to be economically viable. Other socio-economic issues, which place pressure on finances and service delivery, include the following: • A shortage in skilled labour; • A high number of households faced with financial hardships; • A housing backlog and an increase in informal settlements; • An increase in HIV infections amongst the youth; and • Alcohol and substance abuse (Umsobomvu LM IDP).

Northern Cape Province

Pixley ka Seme District Municipality

Umsobomvu Local Municipality

Eastern Cape Province

Chris Hani District Municipality

Inxuba Yethemba Local Municipality



7.2.1 Municipal Background Key features of the affected municipalities are set out in Table 6-6. Table 6-8: Key features of the affected Municipalities

Municipality Province Area Main towns / Settlements

Chris Hani DM (Eight Local Municipalities)

Eastern Cape 36 558 km2

Queenstown, Cradock, Middelburg

Inxuba Yethemba LM (Nine wards)

Eastern Cape 11 663 km2

Cradock, Middelburg and numerous peri-urban and rural settlements

Pixley ka Seme DM (Eight Local Municipalities)

Northern Cape 103 410 km2

De Aar, Britstown, Carnarvon, Colesburg, Copperton, Loxton, Marydale, Norvalspont, Noupoort, Prieska, Richmond, Victoria West, etc.

Umsobomvu LM (Five wards)

Northern Cape 6 819 km2

Colesburg, Noupoort, Norvalspont.

7.2.2 Population Statistics The Northern Cape Province has the lowest and most stable population in the country, amounting to approximately 2.5% of South Africa’s population. The Eastern Cape, on the other hand, showed a marked decline in its population (from 15.1% in 1996 to 12.7% in 2011). This population decline is largely attributed to the out-migration by jobseekers to other provinces. The generalised population figures of the four affected Municipalities (local and district) are set out in the table below. Table 6-9: Population figures for the affected Municipalities (Census 2011; www.world-data-atlas.com)

Chris Hani DM Inxuba Yethemba

LM Pixley ka Seme

DM Umsobomvu LM

Population 795 461 65 560 186 352 28 376

Population growth (2001-2011)

-0.6% 7.9% 10.6% 16.7%

Percentage of District’s population

- 8% - 15%

Sex ratio (Males per 100 females)

- 93.5 - 93.2



7.2.3 Age Structure

Figure 6-11: Age structure of the affected municipalities The age structures of the various municipalities display similar features. The majority of the population constitutes the Economic Active Population (EAP) group aged between 15 and 64 years (58 to 65%). 7.2.4 Employment Statistics Employment status refers to whether a person is employed, unemployed or not economically active. The employment rate represents the number of individuals employed as a percentage of the labour force. The labour force comprises the 15-64 year old population that is ready and able to work, excluding persons not economically active (scholars, housewives, pensioners, disabled) and discouraged work-seekers. According to Census data (2011), the unemployment rate of both the Eastern and Northern Cape is 30%. As reflected in Figure 6-12, unemployment is a major challenge in all four of the affected Local and District Municipalities.



Figure 6-12: Unemployment statistics (Census 2011) The high unemployment rate has serious social and financial consequences for the affected local economies, as the following become evident: • The ability of residents to pay for their daily requirements and services are impeded; • There is a high dependence on social grants; • People survive on subsistence farming and labour intensive jobs and do not develop skills for

enhanced employment opportunities; • The main sources of income for many families are from family members that work in urban

centres; and • One or both parents are often absent seeking employment in other areas or provinces. 7.2.5 Household Income The majority of households in the study area face daily challenges with regards to poverty, education, health and employment. The average household income for Umsobomvu LM is between R400 and R800 per month (Census 2011). A large proportion of Inxuba Yethemba LM’s population also earn less than R800 per household per month, although the average income for Wards 6 and 9 is R1600 per household per month and Ward 5 have an average household income of R12 800 per month. This is also the Ward with the highest education levels (32% of the residents have a Grade 12 qualification) and demonstrates the direct correlation between income and education. 7.2.6 Economic Profile The Chris Hani District economy is heavily reliant on Community Services (52%), followed by Trade (15%) and Finance (14%). The DM is rural in nature, characterised by agricultural activities and needs to facilitate the development of the entrepreneur driven sectors; such as agriculture, construction and manufacturing as they have the greatest employment potential for the people of the area. The Chris Hani DM has thus placed emphasis on Local Economic Development, especially SMME development and support to help develop future entrepreneurs. Manufacturing also represents a significant portion of the Chris Hani DM economy (8% GGP and 5% employment). Industries such as furniture and wood product industries, dairy processing, food processing, pressed metal and leather processing occur (Chris Hani DM Final IDP). The N10 National Road that runs through the Inxuba Yethemba LM is a vital economic link between Port Elizabeth and the north. The economy of the Local Municipal area is largely based on agriculture and tourism with small and medium enterprises, formal sectors such as governmental departments, finance and commercial institutions.

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The Orange River and Vaal River flow through the Pixley ka Seme DM and intensive crop farming activities exist on the banks of these rivers. However, towns situated a few kilometres away from the river experience water shortages, which has an adverse impact on the district’s economy. The main economic sectors include agriculture, manufacturing, construction, trade, finance and business services. Umsobomvu LM has a declining economy that is largely based on sheep farming, with the highest percentage of people employed in the agricultural sector. The second highest employment is by community, social and personal services including government associations. In the past, the economy was heavily dependent on Spoornet (Noupoort Station), and has since declined due to their withdrawal. Farming in the area primarily consists of horses and Merino sheep. Sheep-farming is spread over half-a-million hectares and the greater Colesburg area breeds many of the country’s top Merinos. The area is also renowned for producing high-quality racehorses and many stud farms, including one owned by legendary golfer, Gary Player. The ostrich-feather boom of the early 1900s, which left many farmers rich, has been forgotten. The Colesburg area shows promising growth in terms of tourism and the Municipality prides itself as a natural transportation route for people travelling to destinations such as Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Gauteng and Bloemfontein since two of the major national roads, namely N1 and N9 pass through the Municipality (Umsobomvu LM IDP). 7.2.7 Tourism The districts have a rich history and untapped natural resources that could promote tourism development in the regions. There are existing access roads to major routes (N1, N9, N6 and N10) which link the districts to the major centres of various provinces. Growth in the tourism sector could support and enhance the emergence of supporting industry and services. Some of the opportunities that exist are wildlife, adventure activities (hiking trails, abseiling, fishing, etc.), historical buildings and battle sites, rock art, Memorials, Museums, etc. 7.2.8 Preliminary Socio-Economic Impacts The following are preliminary socio-economic impacts that have been identified during the Scoping Phase and will be investigated and rated and mitigation measures will be proposed (where feasible) during the detailed EIA phase of the project. Additional impacts that arise during public participation and during the detailed SIA will also be included. Construction phase • Temporary employment creation would be a positive impact during the construction phase of

the proposed development, which would be intensified if the majority of the job opportunities are reserved for local people. The low education and skills levels and sparse population would in all likelihood make it highly unlikely that all the job opportunities be filled by locals from the affected Local Municipalities and outside labour would thus also be required.

• In the event of the erection of a construction camp to house a portion of the workforce, the locality and management of the camp would be crucial. If mismanaged, the developer and Municipality could incur social and economic costs as a result.

• Skills development, which leads to capacity building, is an important positive impact resulting from the employment process. This would enable temporary employees to improve their quality of life and secure future employment at similar developments once their contracts have expired.

• Renewable energy technology is new technology in South Africa and on-site training and skills development for the higher skilled workforce (especially South Africans) is likely.



• As a result of the high unemployment levels, there is a possibility that an influx of workers will take places as soon as reports of a large infrastructure development project become public knowledge. The developer and Local Municipalities has a responsibility to manage and mitigate this potential impact pro-actively. Potential impacts, should an ‘outside workforce’ remain in the area after the construction period, could include an increase in the local unemployment base once contracts have expired, and increase in unemployment levels, an increase in crime and additional pressure on housing and infrastructure services.

• Positive impacts on the local economy are to be expected as a result of the construction phase. Local procurement of goods and services (where possible), contracts with local SMME’s and local contractors (such as catering, laundry services, transport of workers, etc.), an increase in salaries and spending power resulting in positive impacts for local merchandisers (groceries and other consumables) would be advantageous for the local and regional economy. The overall intensity of the impact would depend on the developer’s policies with regard to local employment and procurement.

• Impacts on the “sense of place” for the local community will be investigated and potential issues could emerge during the public participation process. This impact is generally more prominent if a proposed development would take place in close proximity to sensitive receptors, which is not the case for the proposed Umsobomvu WEF.

• Noise, dust and visual impacts could further impact the “sense of place” as large machinery and construction vehicles would be utilised to transport, construct and assemble structures.

• An increase in traffic on the N9 and/or N10 Routes could occur and negative impacts on movement patterns could be expected on smaller access roads that lead to the site. Damage to the road infrastructure could result, especially since large construction vehicles would be used to transport required infrastructure for the WEF to the site over the construction period.

• An impact on local emergency and health services could be experienced in the case of construction related and road accidents.

• Safety and security is always a concern in the vicinity of large construction projects. The erection of a construction camp to house a portion of the workforce could also increase safety and security issues for locals. It is not known at this stage whether a construction camp would be required to house the temporary workers.

• Mismanagement of the construction site could result in numerous environmental and social impacts, such as pollution and degradation of the natural environmental, health issues for the workforce (lack of clean water and sanitation facilities) and unacceptable social behaviour, such as prostitution and short-term relations with locals, resulting in the spreading of HIV/AIDS, unwanted pregnancies and thereby placing pressure on local health facilities and social welfare.

• A high number of skilled Specialists and Foreigners would be employed during the course of the construction period and accommodation in local hotels, guest houses, and other establishments would be beneficial to the local economy. However, it is expected that the demand for accommodation establishments would outnumber supply and alternative accommodation would need to be provided, which could have social and environmental impacts if managed inappropriately.

• Negative impacts for the affected Local Municipalities could be expected in terms of an increase in responsibilities. This would include the undertaking of a skills analysis and compilation of a database of an available local workforce; representation on the Environmental Monitoring Committee (EMC) and Project Steering Committee; legal responsibilities in terms of actions against land owners, the developer or any other parties that contravene Municipal bylaws, and so forth.

Operational Phase • Although limited, permanent employment positions (unskilled, semi- and highly skilled) would

be filled during the operational period of the Umsobomvu WEF. This would include security, site maintenance, supervision, monitoring, etc. From time-to-time temporary employees might be required.



• During the operational phase the facility could contribute indirectly to the local economy through an increase in the local revenue base (rates and taxes), the possible establishment of local downstream industries and services (to a lesser extent) that would support the facility and local communities would benefit economically through shareholdings and community uplifting and social development projects. The exact contribution and involvement of the local community would only be determined at a later stage.

• Extensive dust, noise and traffic impacts and security issues as a result of the WEF during the operational phase are highly unlikely, although visual impacts have the potential to impact the local community’s ‘sense of place’

• On a regional and national level, the proposed facility would have a positive impact by contributing to sustainable electricity supply without the negative environmental impacts that are usually associated with coal-fired power stations, it requires less maintenance and lower operational costs and renewable energy projects could bring economic benefits for the country, e.g. in the form of new ‘green’ jobs.

Decommissioning Phase Depending on the economics of the development following the operational period, the WEF will either be decommissioned or the operational phase will be extended. If it is deemed financially viable to continue, existing components would be dissembled and replaced with more appropriate technology/infrastructure available at that time. Although it would not be possible to determine the significance of these impacts in the detailed SIA as there are too many unknown and unclear factors that could influence the impacts at the time of decommissioning, some of the socio-economic impacts could include: • Job creation as temporary/contract workers would be required to do the dissembling and/or

replacement of components and skilled employees (project managers, technicians, etc.) would also be required.

• Negative impacts on traffic movement patterns would be inevitable as large construction vehicles would be required to move new and old components to and from the site.

• Impacts associated with a change in land use as the land would be rehabilitated and rezoned to Agriculture; or new technology would enable the developer to extend the operational phase and applications would be lodged to extend rezoning consents and/or long-term lease agreements with landowners and authorities.

• The decommissioning phase would increase the influx of people, which could increase the likelihood of safety and security issues.

• Dust/air pollution, visual impacts and other nuisance factors not unlike those experienced during the construction phase are possible.



Figure 6-13. The Umsobomvu WEF in relation to the District and Local Municipalities.



7.2.9 Heritage: Culture, History and Archaeology The Archaeological study is being undertaken by Mr Gavin Anderson of Umlando Archaeological Surveys & Heritage Management. The information below has been summarised by Mr Anderson after he conducted a desktop background assessment of the Umsobomvu WEF area. History and Culture A desktop assessment of potential historical and cultural sites, in the general area, has been conducted based on a number of considerations, which are listed below. Cultural heritage sites are categorised as: • Sites within the last 60 years.

o Settlements that are currently inhabited and may or may not have human graves. o Settlements that are recently abandoned and may or may not have human graves. o Older human settlements (between 10 and 60 years) that are abandoned and probably

all have human graves. • Historical.

o Human settlements with graves (older than 60 years). o Rock art. o Colonial farm buildings and their rubbish middens. o Colonial farm walling and cattle byres. o Towns and their buildings. o Features related to the Groot Trek, in this area. o Farm boundaries. o Cemeteries: farm and battlefields.

• Cultural landscape: How people have modified the landscape and/or have special meaning to

specific parts of the landscape. This will include historical farm walls that occur in the study area, gardens of old houses, etc.

• Oral History: Sites that have significance to local people but have not been recorded. These are normally associated with historical events. No known sites occur in the data base.

• Living Heritage sites are those areas that have (historical) meaning and reference to an individual and/or group of people. These can be tangible and non-tangible areas. No known sites have been recorded.

Sites of importance identified from desktop assessment The time categories specific to the site include the Historical Period (1820-1900), the Late Stone Age (c. 30 000 – 1 100 years ago), the Middle Stone Age (250 000 – 30 000 years ago) and the Early Stone Age (1 million 0 250 000 years ago).

The Historical Period in this area consists of the first colonisation of the Europeans (1820’s) onwards; grave sites and cattle kraals are evident in the vicinity of the site.

Rock art was found on the overhangs in the area as remnants of activity during the Late Stone Age.

Stone tools were discovered during the site visit as evidence of activity in the area during the Middle Stone Age.

7.2.10 Noise associated with wind energy (excerpts from Rogers and Manwell, 2002) Noise is defined as any unwanted sound. Wind turbines generate noise from multiple mechanical and aerodynamic sources. As the technology has advanced, the noise associated with wind turbines has reduced significantly, but is still a major public concern. Noise levels can be measured, but, similar to other environmental concerns, the public's perception of the noise impact of wind turbines is in part a subjective determination.



Sources of noise from wind turbines include: tonal, broadband or sound pressure, low frequency and impulsive noises. These noises are generated from either the mechanical components of the wind turbine (gearbox, generator, cooling fans etc.) or from aerodynamic flow around the blades and tower (including changes to air flows). At the present time, the noise produced by wind turbines has diminished as the technology has improved. As blade airfoils have become more efficient, more of the wind energy is converted into rotational energy, and less into acoustic noise. Vibration damping and improved mechanical design have also significantly reduced noise from mechanical sources. In South Africa, the current setback buffer from all residential areas or homesteads being implemented is 500 metres. The farm homesteads and farm inhabitants within the Umsobomvu WEF will be mapped and a 500m buffer applied. Turbine placement will not be permitted within these buffered areas. The noise impact assessment will be undertaken by Dr Brett Williams from Safetech. The noise modelling will be conducted once the final layout has been informed by the various specialists. 7.2.11 Visual Impacts Due to the sheer size of wind turbines, issues relating to visual impacts are prominent concerns that require addressing when assessing any proposed WEF. The approach for the assessment of the significance of visual impacts should be aligned with the guidelines for visual assessment specialist studies as set out by South Africa’s Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP) (Oberholzer 2005). The DEA&DP guideline recommends that a visual impact assessment consider the following specific concepts (from Oberholzer 2005): • An awareness that 'visual' implies the full range of visual, aesthetic, cultural and spiritual

aspects of the environment that contribute to the area's sense of place. • The considerations of both the natural and cultural landscape, and their interrelatedness. • The identification of all scenic resources, protected areas and sites of special interest, together

with their relative importance in the region. • An understanding of the landscape processes, including geological, vegetation and settlement

patterns, which give the landscape its particular character or scenic attributes. • The need to include both quantitative criteria, such as 'visibility', and qualitative criteria, such as

aesthetic value or sense of place. • The need to include visual input as an integral part of the project planning and design process,

so that the findings and recommended mitigation measures can inform the final design, and hopefully the quality of the project.

• The need to determine the value of visual/aesthetic resources through public involvement. Criteria applied to assessment: 1. Visual sensitivity: e.g. heritage and protected areas are highly sensitive. 2. Visibility of Development: i.e. what is the geographical extent of visibility? 3. Visual Exposure: extent and duration of visibility. 4. Visual Intrusion: the WEF development is assessed in term of other man-made structure in the

surrounding landscape. Although visual impact assessment criteria attempt to objectify potential impacts, a significant aspect of visual impact depends on the perception and feelings of individuals. The geographical extent of visibility will be mapped once a final WEF layout has been assessed.



8 MANNER IN WHICH THE ENVIRONMENT MAY BE AFFECTED

In terms of Section 28(1) of the EIA Regulations (2010), a Scoping Report must contain all the information necessary for a proper understanding of the nature of issues identified during scoping, and must include–

(g) A description of environmental issues and potential impacts, including cumulative impacts, that have been identified.

8.1 Issues identification The Table below describes the issues identified during the Scoping Phase. The identification of these issues has resulted in the recommendation for various specialist assessments to be undertaken during the EIA Phase. Table 7-1. Issue identified during the Scoping Phase.

Biophysical Issues

Environmental legal and policy compliance

Various items of environmental legislation and policy must be adhered to in order to ensure that the environment is adequately managed for conservation and development.

Terrestrial Fauna

This would include potential impacts on large and small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, etc.

Terrestrial Flora

This issue includes impacts on indigenous and/or protected vegetation.

Avifauna

The potential avifaunal impacts include mortality or injury through collision with turbines, habitat loss or alternation, disturbance and displacement. A twelve month bird monitoring programme is required by DEA to be completed prior to the completion of an impact assessment, which will determine the significance of potential impact of the WEF on avifauna.

Chiroptera (Bats)

A wide variety of bat habitats are present on site, including cliffs and overhangs. A twelve month bat monitoring programme is required by DEA to be completed prior to the completion of an impact assessment, which will determine the significance of potential impact of the WEF on bat populations.

Construction waste management

Construction waste will be generated, which may have a detrimental impact on the environment unless correctly disposed of.

Geotechnical

This covers aspects such as soil erodibility, geological formations, etc.

Climate change mitigation

Replacement of fossil fuel-generated electricity with renewable energy-generated electricity is considered to be highly beneficial.

Palaeontology

If deep foundations are required for individual turbines, there is a possibility that remains of paleontological significance may be exposed. These should be documented and conserved wherever possible.

Agricultural Potential

The site proposed is currently zoned for agricultural use. The placement of turbines should avoid areas which are heavily relied upon for livestock grazing.

Socio-economic Issues

Noise

The effect of noise from the operation of turbines can negatively impact on the surrounding land inhabitants.



Landscape & visual

The wind turbines will be visible to passing traffic in some areas, and to local landowners and occupiers in various areas.

Social development

Positive impacts may be felt in the surrounding communities as a result of the financial injection and employment opportunities into the area.

Traffic & transport

Transportation of large turbine parts is accomplished using very heavy duty, long vehicles. These are often accompanied by traffic management officials and other vehicles providing support. This can impact on traffic flow, and on the quality of the roads.

Cultural heritage & archaeology

The site contains various bushmen paintings and other archeologically significant aspects.

Electromagnetic interference (EMI)

EMI occurs when the movement of the wind turbine blade crosses the line of transmission of, e.g. television signals, and can cause interruption to both TV and radio reception. Similar interference may be experienced with radar facilities, weather stations and cell phone towers.

Shadow flicker

Shadow flicker refers to the constant flickering light-and-dark caused by rotating blades, which may lead to health issues or may just be an irritant. There are very few residential dwelling in the proposed WEF area that may be affected by shadow flicker.

Existing Infrastructure/services

Existing infrastructure, particularly roads, can be heavily impacted on by the movement of heavy vehicles to and from the site.

8.2 Issue rating The above identified issues have been preliminarily rated according to an environmental significance scale, using a precautionary approach (Table 7-2). This scale is an attempt to evaluate the importance of a particular issue. Issues that are ranked as being of “VERY HIGH” and “HIGH” significance (Table 7-3) will be investigated further to determine how the impact can be minimised or what alternative activities or mitigation measures can be implemented. These issues may also assist decision makers i.e. numerous HIGH negative impacts post-mitigation may result in a negative decision. These issues will be assessed by specialists qualified to identify, assess the significance of and propose mitigation measures to minimise impacts related to their respective specialised fields. For issues identified as having “MODERATE” significance (Table 7-3), the most effective and practical mitigations measures will be proposed as part of the general EIA impact assessment. For issues ranked as “LOW” significance (Table 7-3), management measures will be identified to ensure that the impacts relating to these issues remain of low significance. Table 7-2. Significance rating table

No Significance

There are no primary or secondary effects at all that are important.

Low Significance

These issues will usually result in medium to short term effects on the social and/or natural environment. Impacts rated as LOW will need to be considered by the public and/or the specialist as constituting a fairly unimportant and usually short term change to the (natural and/or social) environment. These impacts are not substantial and are likely to have little real effect.

Moderate Significance

These issues will usually result in medium to long term effects on the social and/or natural environment. Impacts rated as MODERATE will need to be considered by society as constituting a fairly important and



usually medium term change to the (natural and/or social) environment. These impacts are real but not substantial.

High Significance

These issues will usually result in long term effects on the social and/or natural environment. Impacts rated as HIGH will need to be considered by society as constituting an important and usually long term change to the (natural and/or social) environment. Society would probably view these impacts in a serious light.

Very High Significance

These issues would be considered by society as constituting a major and usually permanent change to the (natural and/or social) environment, and usually result in severe or very severe effects, or beneficial or very beneficial effects.

Table 7-3. Significance of identified issues pre-mitigation.

Issue Planning and Design

Construction Operation Decommissioning Assessment Type

Biophysical Issues Environmental Legal and Policy compliance

Moderate No No No General EIR

Terrestrial Fauna Low Low Low Low General EIR Flora Low High Low High Specialist Wetlands, Surface and Groundwater

Low Low No No General EIR

Avifauna Very High Low Very High Low Specialist Chiroptera Very High Low Very High Low Specialist Waste Management No Moderate No Moderate General EIR Geotechnical No Moderate No Moderate Specialist Air Quality and Climate Change

No No High Positive

No General EIR

Palaeontology No High No No Specialist Agricultural Potential No Low Moderate Low Specialist

Socio-economic Issues Noise Moderate Moderate High Moderate Specialist Landscape & visual High Moderate High Low Specialist

Social development No Moderate High Positive

Low Specialist

Traffic & transport Moderate Moderate No Moderate General EIR Cultural heritage & archaeology

High High No No Specialist

Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)

Low No High No General EIR

Shadow flicker Low No Low No Specialist Existing infrastructure/services

No Moderate No Moderate General EIR

Land Use No Low Low Low General EIR

Based on the above rating of impacts, specialist studies will be conducted on the aspects listed below. The terms of reference for these studies can be found in Section 9 of this report; the Plan of Study for the EIR. • Visual Impact Assessment (9.2.1) • Noise Impact Assessment (9.2.2) • Ecological Impact Assessment (9.2.3) • Avifaunal Impact Assessment (9.2.4)

o This assessment is currently in the second season of the 12 month monitoring programme.

• Chiroptera (Bat) Impact Assessment (9.2.5) o This assessment is currently in the second season of the 12 month monitoring

programme.



• Archaeological Impact Assessment (9.2.6) • Paleontological Impact Assessment (9.2.7) • Agricultural Impact Assessment (9.2.8) • Socio-economic Impact Assessment (9.2.9)



9 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

In terms of Section 28(1) of the EIA Regulations (2010), a Scoping Report must contain all the information necessary for a proper understanding of the nature of issues identified during scoping, and must include–

(h) Details of the public participation process conducted in terms of regulation 27(a), including- (i) The steps that were taken to notify potentially interested and affected parties

of the application (ii) Proof that notice boards, advertisements and notices notifying potentially

interested and affected parties of the application have been displayed, placed or given;

(iii) A list of all person or organisations that were identified and registered in terms of regulation 55 as interested and affected parties in relation to the application; and

(iv) A summary of the issues raised by interested and affected parties, the date of receipt of and the response of the EAP to those issues.

(l) Copies of any representations, and comments received in connection with the application or the scoping report from interested and affected parties;

(m) Copies of the minutes of any meetings help by the EAP with interested and affected parties and other role players which record the views of the participants; and

(n) Any responses by the EAP to those representations and comments and views.

9.1 Notification of interested and affected parties Please note that all proof of Public notification (images and photographs) are attached in Appendix A. 1. Newspaper advertisement

See Appendix A The Herald Die Burger Middelburg Courant The Advertiser

2. Onsite notices

See Appendix A. 3. Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) identification and notification

In addition to the above notification, certain I&APs were identified based on their potential interest in the project. In Table 8.1, relevant organisations were contacted either via e-mail or directly for comment and were sent a Letter of Notification and a Background Information Document (BID). In addition, surrounding landowners and additional I&APs were identified and notified, the details of which can be found in Appendix B.

Table 8-1. The identified stakeholders for the proposed Umsobomvu WEF.

Stakeholder Contact Person

Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (Eastern Cape)

Ms Nondwe Mdekazi

Mr Tim De Jongh

Mr Mncedisi Makosonke

Mr Alan Southwood

Department of Nature Conservation and Environmental Affairs (Northern Cape) Ms Tsholo Makaudi

Department of Water Affairs (DWA) (Eastern Cape) Ms Lizna Fourie



Department of Water Affairs (DWA) (Northern Cape) Mr Abe Abrahams

Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) (Northern Cape) Ms Ntsundeni Ravhugoni

Ms Brenda Monnapula

Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) (Eastern Cape) Ms Brenda Ngebulana

Ms Zimkita Tyala

Department of Agriculture Forestry & Fisheries (DAFF) Ms Thoko Buthelezi

Ms Mashudu Marubini

Department of Energy Ms Mokgadi Mathekgana

Eskom Mr Eddie Leach

Eskom: Renewable Energy Mr John Geeringh

Eskom: Land & Rights Section Ms Michelle Nicol

Pixley District Municipality (Northern Cape) Mr Sam Diokpala

Chris Hani District Municipality (Eastern Cape)

Mr Francois Nel (Environmental Manager)

Ms Funeka Nxesi (DEA: Support for CHDM)

Umsobomvu Local Municipality (Northern Cape) Mr Amos Mpela

Inxuba Yethemba Local Municipality (Eastern Cape) Mr Mzwandile Sydney Tantsi

Umsobomvu Local Municipality Ward 2 Councillor Ms DB Jokka

Inxuba Yethemba Local Municipality Ward 3 Councillor Mr Sydney Goniwe

Inxuba Yethemba Local Municipality Ward 6 Councillor Mr Siphiwo Njobo

SALGA Northern Cape

Mr Thatelo Itumeleng

Mr Lesang Daniels

Mr Johannes Mafereka

SALGA Eastern Cape

Ms Aseza Dlanjwa

Mr Zamikhaya Mpulampula

Ms Zona Cokie

Eastern Cape Provincial Heritage Resources Authority (ECPHRA) Mr Lennox Zote

Mr Sello Mokhanya

Ngwao Boswa Kapa Bokoni is the Provincial Heritage Resources Authority of the Northern Cape Province Mr Timothy Ratha

Telkom Mr Raymond Couch

Sentech Ms Alishea Viljoen

Vodacom Mr Andre Barnard

MTN Mr Krishna Chetty

Cell C

Mr Hugo Dippenaar

Mr Rudi Liebenberg

Mr Wiaan Vermaak

Mr Dirk Van Der Walt

Mr Joshua Engelbrecht

Noupoort Farmers Association (Northern Cape) Mr SP van der Walt

Molteno Agricultural Union (Eastern Cape) Mr Meyburgh Erasmus

Ms Marie Pretorius

Bamboesberg Agricultural Association (Eastern Cape) Mr WF Terrblanche

Mr Hendrik Venter

Loperberg Agricultural Association (Eastern Cape) Mr Kotie van Straaten

Mr Stefan Viljoen

Sandfontein Agricultural Association (Eastern Cape) Mr Seppie Vermaak



Mr Dries Pienaar

Middelburg District Agricultural Union (Eastern Cape) Mr Rocco de Villiers

Ms Wilna Nel

Bo-Suurberg Agricultural Association (Eastern Cape) Mr Eben du Plessis

Nooitgedacht Argicultural Association (Eastern Cape) Mr Andries Bester

Ms Aletta Erasmus

Rooihoogte Farmers Association (Eastern Cape) Mr TP Voster

Ms Louzelle Snyman

Schoombee Farmers Association (Eastern Cape) Mr Jonathan Southey

Ms Riana Southey

The Willows Agricultural Association (Eastern Cape) Mr Clift Frewen

Ms Bettie Borcherds

Hofmeyr Agricultural Association (Eastern Cape) Mr Gerald Fletcher

Ms Bronwyn Taljaard

Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Ms Lizelle Stroh

Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) Mr Dylan Fryer

Roads (SANRAL/Public Works) Ms Nanna Gouws

BirdLife South Africa Mr Daniel Marnewick

BirdLife South Africa Dr Hanneline Smit-Robinson

BirdLife South Africa: Birds and Renewable Energy Manager Ms Samantha Ralson

BirdLife South Africa: Policy & Advocacy Manager Mr Simon Gear

Endangered Wildlife Trust: CEO Ms Yolan Friedman

Endangered Wildlife Trust: Head of Conservation Science Dr Harriet Davies-Mostert

Endangered Wildlife Trust: African Crane Conservation Programme Manager Ms Kerryn Morrison

Endangered Wildlife Trust: African Crane Conservation Programme Field Officer Ms Glenn Ramke

Endangered Wildlife Trust: Wildlife & Energy Programme Mr Lourens Leeuwner

WESSA NC Regional Representative Ms Suzanne Erasmus

WESSA EC Regional Representative Ms Jenny Gon

Middelburg Agricultural Show Mr Stefan Erasmus

Ms Rene Joubert

Middelburg Fire Protection Mr Jonathan Southey

Mr Matt Marell

Middelburg Tourism Bureau Ms Nettie Kok

Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute Ms Joan Oosthuizen

9.1.1 Surrounding and Affected Landowners The residents of the surrounding areas will be provided with an initial letter of introduction to the project and a BID during the site meetings. These documents included the contact details of the EAP in order for the landowners to register themselves and/or submit their comments on the proposed development. 9.1.2 Registered I&APS Other than I&APs initially identified, any person requesting to be registered as an I&AP was included into the I&AP database (Appendix B). 9.1.3 The Public Participation Process to be followed going forward include: Release of the Draft Scoping Report for Authority, Stakeholder and Public review.



The Draft Scoping Report will be available for public review from the 20th February 2015 – 4th April 2015 (40 days). 1. Hard copies of the Draft Scoping Report have been made available at: Middelburg Public Library. 2. Electronic copies have been emailed to all stakeholders. 3. Electronic copies have made available on the EOH CES website (www.cesnet.co.za) 9.1.4 Issues and Response Trail A number of initial focus group meetings were held (Appendix A, 13.1.3), where key issues were raised. The notes below summarise the main issues raised through group meetings and during the public review period, and includes the EAP responses to these issues.

Issues & Response Trail Issue Stakeholder Response

Construction/timing of the project should consider other construction projects. For example road works for the expansion of the N9 will take place over a 2 year period and will employ 400 locals.

Umsobomvu Local Municipal

Officials

Noted. Thank you for the information.

In the past there have been some disruptions with regards to ‘outsiders’ that were employed. However, the LM has structures, such as the Ward Committees, that deal with such issues.

This will be dealt with formally, by the developer, at a later stage if the project is given the go-ahead.

The LM does not have an office/structure that does training, etc. They would require the developer to explain procedures to SMME’s in terms of tender requirements, skills requirements and general needs.


In terms of social responsibility/community projects - there is a need for infrastructure projects such as the development of parks, recreational centres and other facilities for the youth, etc.

Noted by the Social Impact Assessor.

Rates for workers should be co-ordinated between the Main and Subcontractors to avoid conflict.


Who will do maintenance of the roads? Is SANRAL part of the process?

The developer will maintain the roads leading to the site, off the national roads, as well as the roads on site.

The bridge across the road located between Noupoort and Middelburg could be problematic for large construction vehicles.

Noted and relayed to the developer.

Rates for the construction workers should be discussed with the farmers in advance. If rates are too high, it could result in issues for farmers in future if workers are not willing to work for the “local” wage rate on farms any longer.

Noupoort Farmers Association

The developer would pay according to the nationally agreed upon wage.

“Mainstream” has joined as a member on the Noupoort Farmers Association, attends meetings, receives minutes, etc. This has proven to be very beneficial in terms of communication (minimum wages, daily problems experienced, and so forth). It is recommended that InnoWind also joins if they are a successful bidder.

Noted and relayed to the developer.

The inflow of workers from other provinces for these projects is problematic and a real issue. The 70/30 ratio of workers (locals vs. outsiders) is also problematic to implement.

Pixley ka Seme District

Municipality

Noted.



Prior to the Public Participation phase the LM would establish the % that would be allocated to social responsibility, which is usually in the order of 30% for skills development / local SMME’s.

Noted, these percentages will be included in the Social Impact Assessment.

The proponent should take the future road works by SANRAL into consideration (between PE and Cradock), commencing February 2015.

Inxuba Yethamba LM - LED Office

Noted, SANRAL is part of the I&AP database and will be consulted.

The LED Office will send a list of I&APs that should be included in the process to CES.

Noted, thank you.

Can they “frack” underneath a wind farm? If not, then this will be a “safe” area.

Middelburg Focus Group Meeting

(Middelburg Farmers

Association; Middelburg Rate

Payers Association;

SAPS; Middelburg Chamber of Commerce;

Various private land owners and/or local

farmers)

100 m buffer around each wind turbine where no activities are allowed. DMR will also be consulted and will be required to comment on the development to ensure that there are not conflicting land uses.

Dust issues are concerning. Dust settles on plants, which then battle to grow. This is specifically a concern for certain crops, such as Lucerne. There are 2 residential houses near the road, as well as a field (lucerne). Previously road maintenance 3x trucks per day caused issues (dust).

Dust will mostly be experienced during construction due to construction vehicles and other construction activities. Relevant farmers will be consulted with regarding their proximity to the road. All efforts will be made to reduce the amount of dust on site, e.g. water trucks to wet the concerned roads during the construction period. All concerned I&APs should register on the database to ensure that the developer is aware of site specific concerns.

What is the production cost of a WEF compared with coal fired power stations? When will they reach the break-even point?

According to reports by the South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA) the cost of wind energy is less than newly obtained coal powered energy. Wind energy facilities will break even (of production costs, etc.) within 6 to 9 months of operation.

Access roads are a concern. Who will maintain access roads?

The developer will ensure that roads are constructed in such a way that vehicles get access. The road will be maintained for the duration of the project (20yrs) and will remain post decommissioning.

Where does the equipment come from? Previous experience indicates that road surfaces are destroyed before they are being rebuilt. The road from Middelburg town is being upgraded next year and possible damage to the new road surface is thus a concern. The developer should ensure that the road is maintained throughout the construction period.

At this stage Port Elizabeth. Approximately 12 trucks are used to transport 1 turbine. The developer works closely with SANRAL in this regard. Comment noted.

The developer’s Social responsibility is important and investments should be made through social structures.

A portion of the profits will be allocated to a local community Trust.

There will be pressure on accommodation, catering, and other supporting services.

This is an opportunity for the local community and the developer will discuss their requirements in terms of supporting services in advance for the tender process.

What about fire hazards during construction?

The Environmental Management Programme (EMPr) will address these issues and an Environmental Control Officer (ECO) will be on site to ensure that the Contractors abide by the EMPr.

There is an ambulance and Fire Unit in town, but unfortunately no crew. Previously there was a Fire Prevention Association

Comment noted.

Documents

Table 6-4. Potential amphibian fauna within the proposed ... Wind Energy... · species was Grey-winged Francolin, followed by Verreaux’s Eagle, Northern Black Korhaan, Jackal Buzzard,